Colts Bench Anthony Richardson Sr. Following Daniel Jones’ Arrival: Here’s Why

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. has encountered notable challenges in his NFL journey since being selected fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Recently, a significant change occurred when Richardson was benched in favor of quarterback Daniel Jones, who joined the Colts during the offseason. This article explores the reasons behind Richardson’s shift to backup status and what it means for his future with the team.

Why Is Anthony Richardson No Longer Daniel Jones’ Backup?

Entering the training camp this year, Richardson was originally viewed as the team’s starting quarterback. However, his performance faced increased scrutiny, particularly with the addition of Jones, who looked to rebound after a tough season in New York. The competition between the two quarterbacks intensified, culminating in a surprising decision by the Colts coaching staff.

A significant factor in Richardson’s reassignment was a pre-game incident during Week 6. This mishap resulted in an eye injury that sidelined him for the game and led to the team placing him on injured reserve following surgery for an orbital fracture.

Brief Overview of Richardson’s Performance

Despite being the designated backup this season, Richardson has limited playing time, appearing in only two games. In those outings, he completed one pass for nine yards and rushed for a total of -1 yards. The Colts have relied heavily on a potent rushing attack, utilizing star running back Jonathan Taylor to dominate offensively.

During his rookie year in 2023, Richardson played only four games. Subsequently, injuries and performance issues limited him to 11 games in the 2024 season. His past stats reveal a completion rate of 47.7%, with 1,814 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. On the ground, he excelled with 499 rushing yards and six touchdowns from 86 carries.

Future Outlook for Richardson and the Colts

While Richardson showed flashes of talent, inconsistencies in his performance and injuries have raised concerns regarding his role as a franchise quarterback. Indianapolis general manager Chris Ballard affirmed that the team does not plan to trade Richardson, indicating he still has a future with the Colts.

Colts Players’ Fantasy Outlook for Week 10

As the Colts prepare for their Week 10 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, players like Daniel Jones and Jonathan Taylor remain central to the team’s strategies and fantasy value.

• Daniel Jones: Despite struggles with turnovers, he managed 340 passing yards, bolstering his relevance in fantasy scoring.
• Jonathan Taylor: Taylor continues to impress with his rushing ability, making him a top pick for RB1 status this week.
• Michael Pittman Jr.: Pittman has emerged as a critical part of the passing game, recording his first 100-yard performance of the season.

The Colts hope to capitalize on their offensive strengths as they look to regain momentum in the coming weeks. As the quarterback position continues to evolve for Indianapolis, all eyes will remain on Richardson’s progress and development.